“Kenya Remains Safe And Open”- CS Duale Reassures Travellers After Single Ebola Case

Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale has reassured foreign governments, investors, and tourists that Kenya remains safe and open for business despite the recent confirmation of a single imported Ebola case.

Speaking in Nairobi on Thursday, October 8, 2026, during a high-level briefing with diplomats and international development partners, Duale emphasized that the isolated incident does not signal a wider outbreak.

“I assured our international partners that Kenya remains safe, open and vigilant. The single imported case does not, on its own, indicate widespread transmission and our response continues to be guided by verified epidemiological data, scientific advice and established public health protocols,” Duale stated.

The government’s push to reassure global partners comes after foreign advisories—including warnings from the United States and the United Kingdom—urged citizens to exercise heightened caution, with the UK advising against non-essential travel to select regions.

The Ministry of Health confirmed on October 6 that a traveler arriving from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) had succumbed to the virus. Authorities have since identified 57 contacts, placing 10 individuals in quarantine as contact tracing continues.

Backing Kenya’s position, the World Health Organization (WHO) advised against broad travel or trade restrictions, recommending targeted health surveillance instead.

Outline of Key Government Response Measures:

• Dedicated Isolation & Treatment: Designated facilities across the country now offer a combined capacity of 241 beds for isolation, treatment, and quarantine.

• Rapid Testing & Screening: Over 268 samples have been processed through the national laboratory network, with turnaround times between 6 and 12 hours.

• Border Surveillance: Enhanced health screening has been instituted at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) for passengers arriving from 10 neighboring and regional countries, including the DRC, Uganda, Tanzania, Ethiopia, Rwanda, Burundi, South Sudan, Angola, Zambia, and the Central African Republic.

CS Duale added that Kenya is maintaining close cross-border coordination with Uganda and the DRC while working alongside international partners on field logistics, community outreach, and emergency response capabilities.